4 | Wine | Argentina, 86 to 90, 2011

"Smoke, violets, incense, and black cherry aromas set the stage for a surprisingly elegant, lengthy wine that offers superb value."

"The 2011 Altos del Plata Malbec has a crisp blackberry and raspberry-scented bouquet that has impressive intensity and purity for the price point. The palate is medium-bodied with crunchy, primal black fruit and a touch of iodine on the punchy, sprightly finish. This is a great wine for the price."

"It has a dense, saturnine bouquet with blackberry and gravel notes. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, supple blackberry and bilberry notes with a rounded, harmonious finish. This is very fine and well-crafted."

"Aromas of white peach, floral notes, and a hint of tropical fruits (especially pineapple) inform the nose of a crisp, spicy, dry wine that is meant for drinking over the next 1-2 years. It is an excellent value."

"It has a pure natural nose that expresses the essence of Malbec: lifted raspberry leaf and wild strawberry scents with traces of dried rose petal. It is a medium-bodied with supple, fine tannins and great purity. It glides across the mouth with those raspberry and strawberry notes continuing, joined by a taut citric edge and a slight leafiness towards the composed finish. This is pure class had for a fabulous price."

"A rich, inviting red, with overtones of roasted coffee bean, licorice and smoke to the juicy blackberry, cassis and plum skin fruit character, leading to a Mocha Java aftertaste."

"Cassis, blueberry, violet, licorice, menthol and herbs on the pure nose. Creamy-sweet in the mouth, but nicely integrated acidity and a touch of herbs give the wine good energy and lift. Finishes firm and fresh, with fine-grained, supple tannins and plenty of structural support. A juicy, brisk, refreshing cabernet." -Stephen Tanzer

"A dense, chewy red, exhibiting dark raspberry coulis, blackberry reduction and plum skin notes that remain fresh through the smoke- and mineral-tinged finish. Fine length."

"Bright ruby-red. Slightly high-toned aromas of blackberry, kirsch, bitter chocolate, violet and spice cake. Densely packed and smooth but also lively and light on its feet thanks to harmonious acidity. Conveys a lovely restrained sweetness to its dark berry, licorice, violet and tobacco flavors. Finishes with smooth tannins and sneaky length; in comparison, the estate's cabernet sauvignon is a bit drier and more herbal on the back end." -Stephen Tanzer